London: Witherby & Co, 1918. By William Beebe, curator of the New York Zoological Park. In four volumes, red cloth bindings with gilt embossed boards, First Edition, no. 246 of 600 numbered copies. 90 color lithographed or collotype plates after Thorburn, Lodge, Grönwald, Fuertes, Knight, Jones, and Megargee; 88 photogravure plates (often with 2 images) from photographs by Beebe and others; 20 maps printed in red and black. 4 vols. Folio (16 x 11-5/8 inches). Beebe's text was been called "perhaps the greatest ornithological work of the present century, notable not only for its beauty and the wealth of information it contains, but also for the unusual grace of its prose." (Ellis/Mengel). A monumental work of enduring significance. Zimmer 49; Wood 228; Nissen IVB 84; Tate 119; Ellis/Mengel 203 Original maroon cloth with gilt-lettering, t.e.g. Inner hinges of first volume professionally repaired (some traces of rubbing to outer joints), other volumes sound and clean, occasional faint toning of text block, else a fine set 90 color lithographed or collotype plates after Thorburn, Lodge, Grönwald, Fuertes, Knight, Jones, and Megargee; 88 photogravure plates (often with 2 images) from photographs by Beebe and others; 20 maps printed in red and black. 4 vols. Folio (16 x 11-5/8 inches)Condition: shelf and reading wear, bindings scuffs.